Contact
\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n

What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n

Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n

anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n

In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n

Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n

Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
\n
  • Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

    Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
    \n
  • Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

    Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
    \n
      \n
    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
      \n

      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

        Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
        \n

        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
          \n

          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

            Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
            \n

            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
              \n

              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                \n

                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                  \n

                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                    Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                    \n

                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                      \n

                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                        Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                        \n

                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                          \n
                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                            \n
                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                              \n

                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                \n
                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                  \n

                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                    \n
                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                      \n

                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                        \n
                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          \n
                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                          \n

                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                            \n
                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              \n
                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                              \n

                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                \n
                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                  \n
                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                    \n
                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \n
                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                      \n

                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                        \n
                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \n
                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                          \n

                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                            \n
                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \n
                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                              \n

                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                \n
                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \n
                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                  \n

                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                    \n
                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \n
                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                      \n

                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                        \n
                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \n
                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                          \n

                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                            \n
                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \n
                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n
                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n
                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n
                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n
                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n

                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                \n
                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \n
                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                              \n
                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                  \n
                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \n
                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                \n

                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                    \n
                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \n
                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                  \n

                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                      \n
                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \n
                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                    \n

                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                        \n
                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \n
                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                      \n

                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                          \n
                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \n
                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                        \n

                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                            \n
                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \n
                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                          \n

                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                              \n
                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \n
                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                            \n

                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                              \n

                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                \n

                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                    Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                        Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                        \n

                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                        Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                        Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                            Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                \n

                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                \n

                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              10. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            10. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        10. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              10. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              11. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    10. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    11. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    12. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          10. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          11. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          12. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          13. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        10. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                10. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                11. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        10. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        11. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        12. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                10. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                11. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                12. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                13. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          10. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              10. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              11. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. The king decided that only a brave man should marry her. He chose a challenge that any man could achieve but very few will attempt. The contestant would have to swim across a river infested with crocodiles and the princess will be waiting on the other side with a garland for the first one to come across. On the day, thousands of people gathered at the banks of the river at the starting point wondering who would be the lucky one. Many had heard about the beauty of princess and had come from far and wide to contest. At the same time, they were petrified by the crocodiles splashing around in the water. The king\u2019s guard waved a large flag signalling the start of the challenge and a hush fell over the crowd. No one moved and a whole minute passed that felt like eternity for all. Suddenly one man was in the water swimming vigorously to the other side. He got out on the other side in quick time and princess was about to garland him. He shouted angrily, \u201cnow wait a minute! I first want to know who pushed me into the water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many managers and emerging leaders have trouble with speaking up \u2013 may be expressing their opinion in a peer forum, speaking in the presence of senior leaders within the organization, expressing their views with customer leaders, etc. They then worry about lack of visibility. This problem reminds me of the story of the beautiful princess and a brave man!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. The king decided that only a brave man should marry her. He chose a challenge that any man could achieve but very few will attempt. The contestant would have to swim across a river infested with crocodiles and the princess will be waiting on the other side with a garland for the first one to come across. On the day, thousands of people gathered at the banks of the river at the starting point wondering who would be the lucky one. Many had heard about the beauty of princess and had come from far and wide to contest. At the same time, they were petrified by the crocodiles splashing around in the water. The king\u2019s guard waved a large flag signalling the start of the challenge and a hush fell over the crowd. No one moved and a whole minute passed that felt like eternity for all. Suddenly one man was in the water swimming vigorously to the other side. He got out on the other side in quick time and princess was about to garland him. He shouted angrily, \u201cnow wait a minute! I first want to know who pushed me into the water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many managers and emerging leaders have trouble with speaking up \u2013 may be expressing their opinion in a peer forum, speaking in the presence of senior leaders within the organization, expressing their views with customer leaders, etc. They then worry about lack of visibility. This problem reminds me of the story of the beautiful princess and a brave man!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. The king decided that only a brave man should marry her. He chose a challenge that any man could achieve but very few will attempt. The contestant would have to swim across a river infested with crocodiles and the princess will be waiting on the other side with a garland for the first one to come across. On the day, thousands of people gathered at the banks of the river at the starting point wondering who would be the lucky one. Many had heard about the beauty of princess and had come from far and wide to contest. At the same time, they were petrified by the crocodiles splashing around in the water. The king\u2019s guard waved a large flag signalling the start of the challenge and a hush fell over the crowd. No one moved and a whole minute passed that felt like eternity for all. Suddenly one man was in the water swimming vigorously to the other side. He got out on the other side in quick time and princess was about to garland him. He shouted angrily, \u201cnow wait a minute! I first want to know who pushed me into the water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. It is ok to ask a question to clarify your understanding or how it applies to you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","post_title":"CHOW #314: Tips for speaking up in the presence of senior management","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-314-tips-for-speaking-up-in-the-presence-of-senior-management","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:11:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:41:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999348","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":999341,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-11-12 20:03:10","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:10","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many managers and emerging leaders have trouble with speaking up \u2013 may be expressing their opinion in a peer forum, speaking in the presence of senior leaders within the organization, expressing their views with customer leaders, etc. They then worry about lack of visibility. This problem reminds me of the story of the beautiful princess and a brave man!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. The king decided that only a brave man should marry her. He chose a challenge that any man could achieve but very few will attempt. The contestant would have to swim across a river infested with crocodiles and the princess will be waiting on the other side with a garland for the first one to come across. On the day, thousands of people gathered at the banks of the river at the starting point wondering who would be the lucky one. Many had heard about the beauty of princess and had come from far and wide to contest. At the same time, they were petrified by the crocodiles splashing around in the water. The king\u2019s guard waved a large flag signalling the start of the challenge and a hush fell over the crowd. No one moved and a whole minute passed that felt like eternity for all. Suddenly one man was in the water swimming vigorously to the other side. He got out on the other side in quick time and princess was about to garland him. He shouted angrily, \u201cnow wait a minute! I first want to know who pushed me into the water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. Understand when Q&A is expected; Often good to raise your hand to ask a question<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              8. It is ok to ask a question to clarify your understanding or how it applies to you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","post_title":"CHOW #314: Tips for speaking up in the presence of senior management","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-314-tips-for-speaking-up-in-the-presence-of-senior-management","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:11:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:41:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999348","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":999341,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-11-12 20:03:10","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:10","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Many managers and emerging leaders have trouble with speaking up \u2013 may be expressing their opinion in a peer forum, speaking in the presence of senior leaders within the organization, expressing their views with customer leaders, etc. They then worry about lack of visibility. This problem reminds me of the story of the beautiful princess and a brave man!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. The king decided that only a brave man should marry her. He chose a challenge that any man could achieve but very few will attempt. The contestant would have to swim across a river infested with crocodiles and the princess will be waiting on the other side with a garland for the first one to come across. On the day, thousands of people gathered at the banks of the river at the starting point wondering who would be the lucky one. Many had heard about the beauty of princess and had come from far and wide to contest. At the same time, they were petrified by the crocodiles splashing around in the water. The king\u2019s guard waved a large flag signalling the start of the challenge and a hush fell over the crowd. No one moved and a whole minute passed that felt like eternity for all. Suddenly one man was in the water swimming vigorously to the other side. He got out on the other side in quick time and princess was about to garland him. He shouted angrily, \u201cnow wait a minute! I first want to know who pushed me into the water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Page 1 of 6 1 2 … 6
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. Listen from the perspective of the leader and connect the dots<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    8. Understand when Q&A is expected; Often good to raise your hand to ask a question<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    9. It is ok to ask a question to clarify your understanding or how it applies to you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","post_title":"CHOW #314: Tips for speaking up in the presence of senior management","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-314-tips-for-speaking-up-in-the-presence-of-senior-management","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:11:25","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:41:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999348","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":999341,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-11-12 20:03:10","post_date_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:10","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Many managers and emerging leaders have trouble with speaking up \u2013 may be expressing their opinion in a peer forum, speaking in the presence of senior leaders within the organization, expressing their views with customer leaders, etc. They then worry about lack of visibility. This problem reminds me of the story of the beautiful princess and a brave man!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Once upon a time, there was a beautiful princess. The king decided that only a brave man should marry her. He chose a challenge that any man could achieve but very few will attempt. The contestant would have to swim across a river infested with crocodiles and the princess will be waiting on the other side with a garland for the first one to come across. On the day, thousands of people gathered at the banks of the river at the starting point wondering who would be the lucky one. Many had heard about the beauty of princess and had come from far and wide to contest. At the same time, they were petrified by the crocodiles splashing around in the water. The king\u2019s guard waved a large flag signalling the start of the challenge and a hush fell over the crowd. No one moved and a whole minute passed that felt like eternity for all. Suddenly one man was in the water swimming vigorously to the other side. He got out on the other side in quick time and princess was about to garland him. He shouted angrily, \u201cnow wait a minute! I first want to know who pushed me into the water\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      There is a great message in the story for all those who are afraid to speak up. They all want recognition and career growth, and they know they need to make their presence felt. They are held back by their fears and limiting beliefs \u2013 what will others think if they say the wrong thing, what if I do not know the answers to questions, I do not know the topic well enough, my English language is not good enough, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The question is what will push<\/em> them to speak up. Would their professional vision be the motivator? Would the fear of consequences of the VUCA world push them to change? What could be some strategies to get them started?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Scenarios outside of comfort zone<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      In this article, we will focus on practical strategies that will help people speak \u2018up\u2019. There are many flavours to speaking \u2018up\u2019:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Expressing Disagreement \u2013 how will others react? Will I sour the relationship?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Unfamiliar topic \u2013 I have nothing to share; What if I say something wrong?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Speaking up in front of a senior Leader within the organization \u2013 I do not understand the business language; How will I be judged?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Discussion with a Customer leader \u2013 What if I am asked a question that I cannot answer? I may be forced to commit on the spot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      5. Unfamiliar people\/environment \u2013 I do not know these people; What is acceptable in this environment<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Common theme in all these flavours of \u2018Up\u2019<\/em>: All the abovesaid situations are above their comfort zone and the inherent uncertainty either paralyses them or makes them avoid these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Often, they switch to \u2018active listening\u2019 mode that does not put them on the spot. While \u2018active listening\u2019 has an important part in communication, it is not an escape route to avoid speaking. Emerging leaders and managers need to practice active speaking to make their presence felt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Strategies for improving \u2013 3 Cs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There are three strategies that will get emerging leaders out of their comfort zone: Communication; Connect; Courage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. Communication (what and how)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/ol>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Emerging leaders should equip themselves with \u2018what\u2019 and \u2018how\u2019 of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Societal acumen \u2013 Awareness of what is happening around them in the society; there is no need to be an expert in world matters but should know important news and trends and have a point of view.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Business acumen \u2013 Understanding of the world of business and industry; it starts with an understanding of their company\u2019s strategy, financials, levers but also needs to understand their competition and market; learn to see the business world through the lens of senior management; connecting the dots to understand how various aspects of business come together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Language skills \u2013 Get good enough; It is not necessary to be a literary expert however it is important to feel good enough and that level could vary with individuals; Reading is a great habit to develop language skills and I would recommend reading of fiction and non-fiction covering diverse and nuanced topics; Finally embrace speaking opportunities e.g. Toastmasters.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Connect<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Emerging leaders should be able to see people as people and not objects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Participation in group settings \u2013 important to contribute through group work and engage in discussions; A few useful tips follow: Understand others\u2019 world view; Stay in the topic and time your turn; Active speaking requires one to listen actively, think on one\u2019s feet, jump into the conversation, and the need to be crisp<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Conflict Resolution \u2013 it starts with embracing conflicts; Disagreement is a learning opportunity; you and the other side are humans; Emotional Intelligence is at the heart of one\u2019s ability to handle conflicts effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              3. Self-Regulation and Empathy \u2013 these are essential to connect with people; Without the ability to manage emotions, it is exceedingly difficult to have a rational conversation. One simple skill is the ability to label own and others\u2019 emotions in the moment; research shows labelling moves brain activity from the limbic system to the part of the brain that supports rational thought.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Courage<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Courage is always there in us; we simply need to uncover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                1. Discovering your limiting beliefs is the starting point \u2013 these might stem from your nature, your upbringing, or your life experiences so far. New experiences that challenge your limiting beliefs can be liberating; Emerging leaders need to be patient and kind to themselves but be persistent at the same time<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                2. Practicing Mindfulness \u2013 Stay in the present moment during a discussion; Calm mind is vital to engage productively; breath watch is a simple and powerful technique when practiced consistently; Journaling can help remove biases about people and situations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  For the most part, Communication and Connect are business and behavioural skills that can be mastered through practice and perseverance. However, Courage is a lot more subtle and can be surfaced with deeper meditative practices that promote self-reflection and self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  My best tip for anyone who wants to speak \u2018up\u2019: Start now! The longer you hold back, the harder it gets!<\/em><\/p>\n","post_title":"Speaking \u2018Up\u2019","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"speaking-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 20:03:12","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 14:33:12","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=999341","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998295,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:38:46","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:46","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In Nonviolent Communication, Dr Rosenberg recommends that \u201cWe take responsibility for our feelings, rather than blame other people, by acknowledging our own needs, desires, expectations, values, or thoughts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  In the following sentences, select the sentences where the speaker is acknowledging responsibility for his or her feelings: (Yes or No)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  1. \u201cYou irritate me because you keep biting your nails in meetings\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  2. \u201cI feel discouraged when you reject my ideas\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  3. \u201cI am grateful that you brought some water for me because I needed to take my tablets now\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  4. \u201cI feel happy that you got promoted\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  5. \u201cI am disappointed that I couldn\u2019t finish my task on time\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  6. \u201cI am afraid of speaking up because the customer is often critical\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  7. \u00a0\u201cI got angry because your slides had spelling mistakes\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <scroll down for solution><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Suggested Solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    1. No. Speaker is blaming his\/her irritated feeling on the observed behaviour of colleague.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    2. No. Speaker believes his\/her discouragement is because of other person\u2019s behaviour. Would be better articulated: \u201cI felt discouraged when you rejected my idea because I needed a boost to my self-image\u201d. This way you are articulating the underlying need for your feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    3. Yes. Speaker is associated feeling of gratefulness with his\/her met need.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. No. To express his\/her needs underlying the feeling, it would have been better to say, \u201cI When your promotion was announced, I felt happy because I was hoping that you would be recognized for all your commitment and excellence over the years\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    5. Yes. Speaker is taking responsibility for his\/her feeling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    6. No. Speaker is implying his\/her fear is because of the customer\u2019s behavioural tendencies. Better to express by calling out his\/her need \u2013 \u201cI need my ideas to be accepted to raise my confidence level in this role and hence I am afraid of speaking freely in front of the customer who tends to analyse ideas critically.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    7. No. Speaker\u2019s underlying need is not expressed. This sentence comes across as though the other person is responsible for the speaker\u2019s anger.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","post_title":"CHOW # 309: Taking responsibility for one\u2019s feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-309-taking-responsibility-for-ones-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-07-02 14:38:48","post_modified_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:08:48","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998295","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":998291,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-02 14:31:08","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-02 09:01:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Have you ever wondered at times why you said what you said? It happened to me a couple of days back: I said something cheeky to my mother during a normal conversation in the evening and her facial reaction revealed \u2018mild hurt\u2019, but she quickly recovered and moved on! \u2018Mild\u2019 is my interpretation. I felt a bit remorseful at that moment but could not figure out why I chose those words! On another occasion, one of my colleagues politely made an open request during an office meeting and I reacted within a split second with my opinion on the subject. I expressed why we should not accommodate the request and offered logical alternatives to get the same result. I was one of many in the room and we all have a great working relationship \u2013 yet I felt awful for having reacted so sharply! There was a little bit of discussion on my colleague\u2019s request, but the conversation ended quickly, and the meeting moved on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have recognized such patterns in my behaviour in the past and the solution in my mind usually was about the need for me to pause before I respond. I really could not decode my choice of language or figure how to express my feelings. I then read the book \u2018Nonviolent communication (NVC)\u2019 by Dr Marshall B Rosenberg. I realised I could get more insight into not just my choice of words but also the language of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      N<\/strong>onviolent Communication (NVC)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I have always believed that all souls who come into this world are \u2018good by nature\u2019 but somewhere along the way they develop layers that are anti-patterns to that good nature. These anti-patterns lead to people hurting each other emotionally, rift in families, social intolerances, riots, and wars. Root causes for these anti-patterns could be upbringing, social structures, and individual\u2019s worldly experience. Question in my mind: Given the way people (including myself) are, how can I improve my language that will result in better life experience for all?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      I believe NVC provides answers that with practice could change my language for the better. Dr Rosenberg\u2019s quest in his own words is: \u201cWhat I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.\u201d<\/em> He defines Nonviolent Communication (or Compassionate Communication) as a way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart \u2013 the way humans were meant to relate to one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      NVC Components<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Any communication has two parts: Expressing and Receiving. According to NVC there are four components to the language whether you are expressing or receiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      1. Observations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      2. Feelings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      3. Needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Requests<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us try to understand these components based on an example of \u2018not so compassionate behaviour of mine\u2019!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Expressing honestly<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        I was leading a functional unit and I noticed that one of my Technical Leads recently was spending awful amount time (so I believed) on the mobile phone \u2013 in meeting rooms, office cafeteria, stairwells, etc.  I let it go for a few days and one day confronted him with a question \u201cWhy are you spending so much time on the phone? Not much to do?\u201d in half jest. I could make out from his expression that he was shocked and did not respond immediately. He disconnected the call, apologized, and walked back his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my language in the above interaction through the lens of NYC components. Firstly, my observation was laced with judgment! Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cwhen observation is combined with evaluation people are apt to hear criticism\u201d and then people are less likely to receive our intended message. I could have simply said, \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile,\u201d seeking clarification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us analyse my feelings and needs behind the message. I was feeling a little bid mad and let down at the same time \u2013 \u2018how could my Tech Lead behave this way? He should be setting the right example for the team.\u2019 Tech Lead\u2019s action may have triggered the feelings in me but is not the cause. It is important that I take responsibility for my feelings and identify the unmet need could have triggered such a feeling in me. In this case, need for \u2018support\u2019 from my Tech Leads to achieve my goals may have triggered feelings of being mad or let-down. Dr Rosenberg postulates that \u201cJudgments of others are alienated expressions of our own unmet needs.\u201d If I had expressed my need for \u2018support from Tech Leads\u2019, I would have had a better chance of getting that need met. Let us see how could have done that: \u201cIt appears that you are having long calls on your mobile. I am disappointed because I need your support in setting the right example for your team\u201d. All this may not be said in one sentence \u2013 it could be the elements of a conversation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Let us now give some thought to the last component \u2013 \u2018request\u2019. Dr Rosenberg says, \u201cMaking requests in clear, positive, concrete action language reveals what we really want\u201d. You may sometimes want the listeners to reflect it back just to make sure that they got it right. Here is the key to making requests: is the other person hearing a request or a demand? If they hear a demand, they would either submit or rebel. They will know when we are requesting and not demanding, when it is clear to them that compliance to the request is a choice. In my example above, Tech Lead has the choice not to comply with my request for a reason that he\/she is convinced about without compromising my need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Dr Rosenberg articulates the objective of NVC clearly: \u201cit is not to change people and their behaviour in order to get our way; it is to establish relationships based on honesty and empathy that will eventually fulfil everyone\u2019s needs.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Receiving Empathically<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In NVC, no matter what words people use, we listen for the four components: their observations, their feelings, their needs, and their request. Dr Rosenberg defines empathy as a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. When we listen to feelings and needs, we see people as people just like us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        If you are unsure, paraphrasing is an effective way to verify your understanding of the four components. If the speaker has received adequate empathy, you can sense it by the release of tension or when the flow of words comes to a stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        There is a lot more to the role of empathy for others and self in NVC. For example, I learnt that empathy for self is needed for giving empathy to others! I would highly recommend reading the book \u201cNonviolent Communication\u2019 by Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In conclusion, the four components of NVC are not intended to be a formula. The essence of NVC is in our consciousness of the four components and not in the actual words that are exchanged. Mindfulness practices can really help lift your self-awareness and empathy leading to higher levels of consciousness and in turn result in connection with greater compassion.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Language that shapes compassionate communication","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"language-that-shapes-compassionate-communication","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-09-04 17:07:55","post_modified_gmt":"2024-09-04 11:37:55","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=998291","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":997750,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-05-03 05:42:49","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        \u201cInsanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results\u201d \u2013 an often-quoted one-liner from Albert Einstein. It always made sense to me logically, yet I found myself caught in this insanity loop. When I reflected on my behaviour, I found a few reasons why I do things the same way. One obvious answer was habits, but closer examination revealed a few other reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        1. I was unaware of significance of the connection between my actions and results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        2. I believe the situation is different and hence, expect a different result with the same action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        3. I am not able to think of an alternate way and I kind of hope to get a different result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        4. I know another way (or someone suggests it) but I have self-doubt about doing it well or fearful of getting wrong results.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          All the above reasons can be distilled down into two broad aspects of change: 1. Awareness 2. Action. One of the organizations that I consult with had an event with \u2018cloud and agile mindset\u2019 as the theme and I heard a leader say this: \u201cWe can apply many of the learnings beyond product and process; it\u2019s really about how we adapt, improve and transform ourselves\u201d. It further strengthened my conviction that a big part of agility is about transforming ourselves in the way we think and behave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Beyond the visible<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Imagine that you are standing on the deck of a ship and watching an iceberg floating in the sea. You are puzzled by the movement of the iceberg in the direction opposite to the direction of the wind. Captain of the ship demystifies the phenomenon for you: \u201cYou see, most of the iceberg is below the water and it is the direction of the current that dictates the movement of the iceberg\u201d. As the leader pointed out in his talk, visible product and process related changes are necessary but it is about how we transform ourselves in the way we think and behave \u2013 the dynamics below the surface and not so visible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is brought about by \u2018Doing\u2019 agile and \u2018Being\u2019 agile as you see in the picture. Agile ceremonies, artefacts, tools, metrics, and structure are necessary for agility. However, your organization will move in the right direction only when you get the subtler aspects below the iceberg right. Many of those aspects are about transformation in the way people think and behave. An organization is a collective entity, and it would appear to an individual that the collective must change first. In this post, I would like us to focus on how the individual can change. It helps the individual to take ownership for self and participate in the collective\u2019s transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Individual change and the brain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In other words, agility begins in the mind, in each one of our minds. Does the way our brain functions have anything to do with our behaviour? Think of our brain as a dynamic connected grid. There are billions of pathways lighting up every time we think, feel, or do something. Some of these pathways are well travelled and established ways of being, feeling and doing! Good news is that brain can make new connections \u2013 new experiences, being in a new environment, learning new skills and new activity create new pathways and re-wire your brain!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          With proactive and well-directed effort, you can accelerate rewiring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Three dimensions to re-wiring for agility<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Based on my consulting experience, I discovered three nested dimensions or contexts when a participant in the transformation can change<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Solutions: Teams: Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. What are you focused on while creating solutions?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While creating solutions, how do you think and collaborate with other teams?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. At the root of all change is your willingness to change self and act accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSolutions\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Agility is essentially about delivering the highest value to customers. This must be paramount in the minds of the developers. For a few good reasons, many developers in large organizations find it difficult to relate to the actual users of the software product. When I started my software career, we worked alongside the users of my solution in another floor or an adjacent building. Today the \u2018distance\u2019 between the developer and the user has increased multi-fold. Picture below is typical in large software product development organizations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Metaphorically \u201cDistance\u201d between Developer & User has increased as we scale! User narratives get abstracted and feedback loops are less effective! Organizations need to find ways to reduce this \u2018distance.\u2019 In my experience, collaborative practices alone are not enough but need to be supported by willingness to invest time and energy from all members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Right Solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          As a developer, I have often focused on my domain of interest or been motivated by a new technology or been simply interested in work that challenges me intellectually! Not that I was wrong, but all the time, my paramount focus needs to be about delivering highest value to the customers! It may require me to get out of my comfort zone in terms technology, domain, or degree of difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cTeams\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          We live in  world where solutions require multiple teams to work together to be of value. How should teams think and behave when collaborating with other teams?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Collaborating Teams<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Let me start with the most damaging mindset. When senior team members or managers have ego clashes with their counterparts in other teams, neither team wins! Customer gets sub-optimal value and organization loses momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another non-agile pattern is teams without goals or in many cases, teams are indifferent to the goals. Mindset is \u2018This is how it is here. Everything takes its own sweet time. Let me go along with it.\u2019. Another flavour to this pattern: the bar is set so low that such goals may as well not exist. Such teams deliver sub-optimal performance and there is lack of motivation to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To be fair, many practicing agile teams do focus on their goals \u2013 sprint goals, quarterly goals, release goals are clearly articulated and understood. Yet their performance is hindered by dependencies with other teams which seem to be operating in their own worlds!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          High performing agile teams are able to align continuously with shared goals which are typically one level above team\u2019s goals. This behaviour requires teams to be aware of streams of work that would create value to the customer and adapt their planning and execution continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u201cSelf\u201d dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Eventually it comes to personal change! Toughest battleground. It starts with awareness of the need for change. It is not easy to believe when someone else points to the need for change. It is relatively easier to believe when the awareness comes within. It is tricky because I am the observer, and I am the observed. In other words, the quality of your inner mirror is vital to see a clear and complete picture of yourself and the need for change. Imagine a bathroom mirror with a hole \u2013 you may live your entire life without realizing that you have a nose!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Awareness is not enough though. It happens to me all the time \u2013 I know I need to change something, yet I do not change. Let us take a simple example: I heard that if one avoids screen time for one hour before going to bed, sleep quality is better. I still cannot help watching something in my mobile while in bed. Moral of the story: \u201cKnowing what to change is hard enough but acting on the knowledge is harder!\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Wiring: Changing Self<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Step one is awareness. If you are not aware, you are blissfully ignorant. One trap is your past success \u2013 there are set mental pathways that worked well for you in the past but gets in the way now. Once you are aware, the will to act is often dictated by your \u2018why\u2019. If I stop looking at my mobile before going to sleep, motivation will come from my desire for better quality sleep and an alert mind the next day! We are emotional creatures; Overcoming mental resistance \/ inertia -> requires emotional propulsion \u2013 overcoming fear, insecurity and how you feel about failure. Agile leaders can play a decisive role in cultivating the right kind of environment where it is ok to fail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are three nested dimensions or contexts where agility shows up from the way we think, feel, and behave. How we create solutions? How we work with other teams in creating the solutions? How we change personally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working on solutions<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to continuously deliver the highest value to customers!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with other teams<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to think win-win, foster collaboration, and focus on shared goals!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          When working with self<\/strong>, agile minds are wired to look into their inner mirror, have the will to act and feel safe to experiment and learn! \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          \u2018Being agile\u2019 delivers results and sustainable advantage. It does good for individuals, organizations, and customers. It requires re-wiring of the brain to create new neural pathways! It is possible.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Re-wiring for Agility","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"re-wiring-for-agility","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-27 10:45:57","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-27 05:15:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=997750","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20538,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2023-02-15 07:44:08","post_date_gmt":"2023-02-15 02:14:08","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Abstract<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          This article is the author\u2019s narrative based on his ongoing journey of personal change. Emphasis is on proactive personal change fueled by the desire to shape one\u2019s future. The author progressively outlines a model that could help the readers in their journey. Many ideas are stitched together in a unique way based on author\u2019s own experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I watch movies for fun, some dialogues have had a lasting impact on me. Here is one from the movie \u201cThe Day the Earth Stood Still\u201d where Professor Barnhardt tells the extra-terrestrial, Klaatu, who intends to erase the entire human race to save the earth: \u201cYou say we are on the brink of destruction, and you are right. But it is only on the brink that people find the will to change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment. Don't take it from us, we are close to an answer\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many of us can relate to that based on our own experiences.\nI had a colleague who refused to quit smoking but stopped the day he fainted\ndue to a blood clot. I had another friend who stopped hitting his wife when she\nthreatened to leave him with their child. Why look elsewhere? I always talked\nabout spirituality but never took it up until I lost my wife to cancer. Crisis\nor impending crisis seems to trigger change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There are other times I have changed when I felt I was\npushed to the wall. I chose actions that were uncomfortable but were needed to\nbreak free of the constraints. A few examples: I was in a town where they spoke\nan unknown language and I had to learn. I had to change to succeed in a new\norganizational role that I was \u2018given\u2019! As Viktor Frankl puts it: \u201cWhen we are\nno longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves\u201d.\nHaving said that, there was another time, when I was asked to report to a boss\nthat I was not \u2018happy\u2019 with, and I changed my job!! Ironically, that demanded\ngreater change!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Above examples are about reactive change \u2013 in response to\na situation. In this note, I would like to focus on proactive change<\/strong>,\nwhich I believe is harder but many times more rewarding<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personal change is not a new topic for many of us and it is\na well-researched area. I am sure we all have learnt models. If not, a simple\ngoogle search will enlighten us with many approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          In what follows, I will share a model that works for me and\nbring in a few nuances based on my life experiences. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          It is normal to use the lives of others as yardsticks to\nmeasure our level of so called \u2018success\u2019 in life. We want to know how we stack\nup in the social order. We may compare downward and feel kind of good about\nourselves or compare upward and feel low about ourselves. There is obviously\nsome good and bad in both directions. Downward comparison could lead to\nstagnation in your growth or even worse, you constantly need people \u2018lower\u2019\nthan you to maintain a healthy level of self-esteem. On the other hand,\ncomparing upward could inspire you to strive for something greater. It can also\nlead to jealousy and lower self-esteem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          There was the early part of my career when I lived and\nworked in Australia. After a decade there, I felt good about my job role and\nthe money I was making \u2013 in comparison to my peers. I decided to return to India\nfeeling absolutely confident about myself and took up a new job. My manager, in\na friendly conversation, told me how I had wasted my years in Australia, and I\ncould have been much more successful if I had stayed back in India. Obviously,\nhe meant well but I looked around and felt miserable! The same me \u2013 confident\none day and miserable the next!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Another decade passed and here I was attending the silver\nreunion of my engineering college \u2013 a minefield for comparisons! While it was\nfun reminiscing about the good old times, a couple of us couldn\u2019t help discussing\nwhy we were not further ahead in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Personally, I found comparison (upward or downward) limits\nme and worse, it could mis-direct me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Models<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Many change models exist that support organizational change.\nA simple Google search will throw up a list for you. Some models have been\nadapted or extended for individual change \u2013 after all, organizations are made\nup individuals. There are many individual change models as well; some that\nstart with change as a given and some, from the world of self-help gurus, start\nwith figuring out what you want out of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          I have not personally applied a standard model for personal\nchange \u2013 hence it is a learning experience for me to derive a model from my\npersonal journey. I may not invent something totally new, but I am sure the\nexperience will be energizing. Here we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          i-fi model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          While I do fall into the trap of comparing myself with\nothers, that has generally not helped me change for the better. For a few\nyears, I went through the process of figuring out what I want to have<\/strong>\nand working towards it. Now I subscribe to what I call \u201ci-fi\u201d model. There are\ntwo tiers to it, as you will see this unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          At the higher level, I visualize the \u201cFuture I (fi)\u201d and\nthink what I (i) need to change to become that. It is not that there is no \u2018have<\/strong>\u2019\naspect to the visualization, but the focus has shifted to what I need to become\nto get close to the Future I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Are you curious? Why lower case \u2018i\u2019 instead of upper case\n\u2018I\u2019? Let us reflect on the process of understanding today\u2019s I. I am the observer,\nand I am the observed.<\/strong> I think that results in a somewhat distorted view \u2013\nthat\u2019s the reason for the small \u2018i\u2019. There are super self-aware beings who can\nget the real \u2018I\u2019. I am not one of them. For some, the answer to the question,\n\u2018who am I?\u2019, has a deep spiritual significance. We will not go that deep in\nthis note. In this model we will restrict ourselves to answers to questions\nlike \u2018what kind of person am I?\u2019, \u2018what is my world?\u2019, \u2018what do I think of the\npeople around me?\u2019, \u2018how do I perceive the world around me?\u2019, \u2018What\nopportunities do I see?\u2019, \u2018Am I happy with my life as it is?\u2019, \u2018Where am I\nheading?\u2019, \u2018what are my beliefs and values?\u2019, \u2018What are my underlying qualities\nlike courage, acceptance, love, etc.\u2019. This list is not meant to be a\ndefinitive one. There is one question I would highly recommend though: \u2018How do\nI feel about myself?\u2019 \u2013 thanks to one of my mentors, late Mr. Frank Tennant\nfrom Australia. That question kind of sums it up for me. Essentially, \u2018i\u2019\ndetermines my current life! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Now how do I visualize the future \u2018I\u2019? There is a ton of\nliterature on dreams, visualization and goal setting in the public domain.\nTypical focus areas are financial, career, family, health, etc. My approach to\nvisualizing \u2018fi\u2019 is not very different. Here are a few keys to my approach: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          1. \u2018fi\u2019 is not limited by \u2018i\u2019 \u2013 i.e., where I am\ntoday does not govern where I could be in the future.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          2. While I typically visualize around a holistic\nset of focus areas, I implicitly understand that there are two or three\nessential ones. I often would not know which these are at the beginning, but\nthey emerge as I move forward and prioritize my time and focus. There would be\nthose wonderful times in your life \u2013 a single area has all the force of your will,\nand you make unbelievable progress towards the desired future!<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          3. I like to have a purpose statement that kind of\nacts as common underlying thread. If this purpose is being fulfilled, I can\nconfidently answer \u2018Yes\u2019 to the \u2018How do I feel about myself?\u2019 question. I\nwouldn\u2019t say this is mandatory because I struggled with coming up with a\npurpose statement initially. I must say it kind of evolved and will probably\ncontinue to evolve.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          4. There is a new one I have added recently to my\nrepertoire - that is \u2018my philosophy\u2019 statement. It kind of helps me navigate\nthe ebbs and flows of the journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          5. I would highly recommend working with a coach to\nfigure this out. I had lost my wife, Rathiga, to cancer. I struggled for more\nthan five years to give some direction to my life. It is not that I was\ndepressed. I had accepted the situation but was kind of drifting through life.\nA couple of sessions with Dr Colleen Lightbody, an amazing master coach helped\nme to get going.<\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          6. Finally, I am willing to accept that the \u2018Future\nI\u2019 could change and is not absolute. That\u2019s the reason I use the smaller case\nnotation \u2013 \u2018fi\u2019.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            It is not necessary for everyone to define their \u2018fi\u2019 to live\na fulfilling life. There are some who find it stressful to have defined goals;\nsome are content with the way things are; some believe that a positive outlook\nto life is adequate; some feel that they are at a stage in their life, they are\nnot motivated to take on more challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Just the way \u2018i\u2019 determines my current life, \u2018fi\u2019 determines\nmy future life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The journey from \u2018i\u2019 to \u2018fi\u2019 demands\nPersonal Change!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Impediments to Personal Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            For some reason, when there is clarity in the mind on the\nwhy, we are motivated to move forward with courage. Science says, our Reticular\nActivation System in our brain brings relevant opportunities to our attention and\nfilters out distractions! Strategies evolve and we develop a sense of urgency\nthat propels as forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Let us pause here. All that sounds simple enough to do \u2013\nthen why is that not many have been able to get to the desired Future state? What\nholds us back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            While I have deliberately thought up the desired future state\nin my mind, I found there are other thoughts that seed doubt. Doubt poisons the\nwill and slows us down. Circumstances seem to get in the way, and one loses the\nwill to act. Slowly I stop believing that the desired future is not possible\nand settle down for something less. Why does this happen? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What decides the kind of thoughts that spring to my mind?\nBeliefs, values and attitudes influence our thoughts. The deep-rooted beliefs\nand values formed as a result of past experiences. Our mind has stored various\nevents in our life with specific details along with some thoughts \u2013 self-talk.\nOver a period, these form beliefs that are unshakable. Let me give a simple\nexample. I was chased and attacked by a stray dog when I was young. I have been\nchased by strays while riding a bike. It is hard for me to feel comfortable\nwith the gentlest of dogs. I had to become aware of this fear and deliberately\npet domesticated dogs many times over to reduce this fear. Basically, I created\nnew experiences which helped to re-shape my belief about dogs. That sounds\nsimple enough when it comes to dogs. Now what about the impossible project\ndeadline; most difficult boss in the whole world; mean spouse who once was the\nlove of your life; the stock market that always works against your investments;\nlosing a job at the time of recession; a career that seems to have hit a wall?\nAre these \u2018external\u2019 circumstances my fault?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Here is a quote from James Allen from \u2018As a man thinketh\u2019:\n\u201cMan is buffeted by circumstances so long as he believes himself to be the creature\nof outside conditions, but when he realizes that he is a creative power, and\nthat he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being<\/em><\/strong> out of\nwhich circumstances grow, he then becomes the rightful master of himself\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            All the thinking is not enough; I am not saintly enough to\ncreate just by thought. Action is definitely needed to manifest the desired\noutcomes. In the process of \u2018acting\u2019, personal change happens. \u2018fi\u2019 starts\nemerging!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I \u2018act\u2019 but the result is not in line with my\nexpectations of Future Life? I start feeling I failed. Consequences often hurt.\nCourage disappears and fear arises \u2013 no desire to go through that again! There\nare times that I feel the failure was caused by someone else \u2013 dislike develops\nfor that person and has the potential to turn into anger. Recently, I got very\npoor feedback in a consulting engagement. I felt it was just triggered by one\nperson and most of it is not justified. I pulled myself together, introspected\nand made a mental resolution to improve myself. However, I could sense a\nresidual shade of disaffection for the individual. I am sure I will be able to\nget over that with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            What if I do not \u2018act\u2019 on the thought? I have found,\n\u2018Knowing what to do\u2019 is relatively easy but \u2018Doing what I know?\u2019 is a lot harder!\nFor me, there are a couple of reasons. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            First reason is my set of habits. These are my friends and,\nalso my enemies. They are unbelievably hard to break. Habits make me do\nsomething else instead of the action I should be taking. Let us take an example\nhere: One aspect of my \u2018fi\u2019 is to be mentally sharp and physically active\nthrough my entire life. I learnt in a program that quality of sleep has a\nsignificant impact on mental sharpness. I had observed that my quality of sleep\nhad deteriorated over time. The suggestion was to reduce screen time an hour\nprior to sleep. I have the habit of watching something in my mobile after going\nto bed. I have been trying to break this habit for the last three months to no\navail. I delete Netflix, Prime and Hotstar from my mobile but they always\nmanage to get re-installed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Second reason is the tendency to procrastinate. The delay\ntakes the edge of the desired action, and the will eventually disappears. I\nhave improved over time, but I still have a long way to go. My son, Vetri, is\nan inspiration in this regard \u2013 if it is important enough, he gets on top of it\nNOW!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Inaction results in guilt \u2013 a very powerful emotion that\npulls one down. Overall, fear, anger and guilt create restlessness in one\u2019s\nheart and a state of dis-orientation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            How do we break out of this? What\u2019s missing?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            A process for Personal Change: A-A-A<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The process of personal change has three steps: A<\/strong>dapt\none\u2019s mindset, A<\/strong>ct, A<\/strong>dvance with persistence (A-A-A).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 1: A<\/strong>dapt one\u2019s mindset<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I start with examining my mindset \u2013 habits, attitudes, beliefs,\nvalues \u2013 in the context of the change and the desired goal. I look for anything\nthat is misaligned to the future I and the necessary actions. Maybe, I need to\nchange my beliefs or break some habits or strengthen my attitude. Let me share\na recent example that many of you can relate to. A situation arose where my\nelderly parents would come to live with me and they needed care. One of my core\nvalues has always been \u2018be a dutiful son\u2019. It is a part of the future \u2018i\u2019 to be\ndutiful and maintain a genuine connection with my parents. When I heard the\nexperiences of others who looked after their parents, I realised I needed to\nreview my mindset. I realised I had three choices: to see this as a burden; or\nmy duty; or a blessing. I chose to make it a blessing. I needed to adapt my\nmindset proactively to create the right fertility conditions for the next step:\nAct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 2: A<\/strong>ct<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We have discussed impediments to action. Wonderful outcome\nabout action is not necessarily the result but personal change! Action results\nin new experiences and leads to changes in our belief system. Impediments\nprovide the necessary resistance to strengthen our mental muscles. Right\nattitude and persistent action can reduce the turbulence in the heart \u2013 less of\nfear, anger, and loss of belief!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Going back to the example of caring for my parents, I found\nthat love begets love, but also found that anger begets anger, impatience\nbegets impatience, fear begets fear, irritability begets irritability. I need\nto act with the right emotions to create an environment where love, respect,\npatience, acceptance grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Step 3: A<\/strong>dvance with persistence<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            After \u2018Acting\u2019, we need to learn from the results and continuously\nrefine the next steps and the mindset. Critical aspect of step 3: you are\nalways advancing irrespective of the results as long as you are learning from\nthe experience. For me, persistence comes from feeding the will \u2013 that could\ncome by reminding myself of the future I and visuals of the future life; it\ncould also come from my supporters; it could also come from a mentor or a\nguide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Again, using the example of caring for my parents, I had to\ncorrect myself and find new ways of moving forward \u2013 may it be apologizing,\ntaking them out, playing board games & cards, watching tv together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Essentially, you are looping back to previous steps of\nAdapting your mindset and finding new ways to Act. Just remember impediments do\nnot fully vanish and continue to play a role in shaping the \u2018fi\u2019. The loftier\nthe \u2018fi\u2019, the stronger the resistance, and the greater the struggle to overcome\nthem!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Complete i-fi model with A-A-A process is depicted in the\npicture below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am immensely grateful to the mentors and coaches who have guided\nme through this process so far and continue to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            In closing, I would like to share a couple of ideas that are\nproven but I am working on personally experiencing them. First one is about\nmeditation. I am sure meditation will improve self-awareness and\nself-discipline necessary to move predictably towards your \u2018future I\u2019. Second\nidea is about humility. We talked about impediments to your journey from \u2018i\u2019 to\n\u2018fi\u2019 like doubt, fear, guilt, anger, habits, etc. As opposed to those there are\na few friendly qualities: love, patience, tolerance, acceptance, faith, etc.\nThose are great qualities to have but if you do not have humility all is lost.\nI will close with a passage from the book: \u2018Designing Destiny\u2019 by Kamlesh\nPatel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \u201cIn the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the great\nqualities we must have in order to tackle the struggles of life. He uses an\nanalogy: Life is like being protected inside a palace in which we live. Imagine\nthat the palace is protected by a wall with one noble quality protecting each\ngate of that wall. It is the back gate that is the most vulnerable in a palace,\nas nobody pays attention to it, and that is the gate of humility, which\ngenerally remains unseen because it is so small. It doesn\u2019t call for our\nattention. It is the place from which most enemies attack, the most unexpected\nplace. Lord Krishna says that this gate must always be protected by humility.\nIf we do not have humility, all the other gates are vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Template<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            We do have a Powerpoint template provides an approach for visualizing your future state. Notes in the slides would help you to use the template. Please do reach out to me, if you are looking for further guidance or a free copy of the template. My email id is ananth@pm-powerconsulting.com<\/a>. A few images from the template below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            i-fi model assumes there is an \u2018I\u2019 that has a current state\nand a future state. There are broader questions that spiritual seekers ask\nthemselves: Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? Will I always\nexist in some form? Answers to these questions could vary depending on your\nfaith and what you believe in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I am not an expert to answer these questions with conviction, yet. However, I have chosen to believe in a spiritual journey that would span this life and beyond \u2013 with the goal of god-realization \u2013 a state in which \u2018I\u2019 melts away and you become one with God. i-fi model can therefore be extended to \u2018i-fi-ni\u2019 model where there is no \u2018I\u2019 in the end state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            anand<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            References<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            1. Social\nComparison Theory - Leon Festinger<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            2. Post\nin psychology today on social comparison theory<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            3. Perils\nof comparing ourselves to others \u2013 Dr Juliana Breines<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            4. Change\nManagement Models \u2013 Zendesk \u2013 Kristen Hicks<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            5. Why\nyou need an individual change model \u2013 Tim Creasy \u2013 Prosci<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            6. 12\nsteps to change your life, Tony Robbins style \u2013 Dr Margie Warrell<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            7. Think or Sink \u2013 Book by Gina Mollicone-Long<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            8. As a man\nthinketh \u2013 Book by James Allen<\/a><\/li>
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            9. Designing\nDestiny \u2013 Book by Kamlesh Patel<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \n<\/p>","post_title":"\u201ci-fi\u201d \u2013 A Model for Designing Your Future and Personal Change","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"i-fi-a-model-for-designing-your-future-and-personal-change","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-11-12 14:24:26","post_modified_gmt":"2024-11-12 08:54:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20538","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20012,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:47:15","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:17:15","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill is a\nProduct Manager in a large software product firm, which has decades of\nleadership in their target segment. He has over 20 years of experience at this\ncompany and has excellent relationship with the major customers of the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              John, the\nnew CEO, had come from a new-age software company. He proposed several new\ninnovations based on the industry trend analysis by the management consulting\nfirm hired by the board. When he spoke to Bill, he realized that there is a 3-year\nbacklog of work already planned and published to the customer base in the form\nof product roadmap. Bill was really concerned about disappointing the customer\nbase if the current roadmap is not realized. John had the support of the board\nand he directed Bill to find way to prioritize the new innovations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              What would be your advice to Bill?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Suggested solution:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bill has a difficult task on his hands \u2013 the backlog is his baby. He needs to take a hard and objective look at the existing backlog and find ways to cherry pick items in the existing backlog that align with the new strategy of the board to focus on market trends. Rest of the items should be dropped from the backlog. He would then be able to have a meaningful conversation with John to blend the consultant\u2019s industry analysis and his own understanding of the customer base. A new prioritized backlog would then emerge that is aligned to strategic intent without sabotaging the existing customer base. <\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #296: Backlog Blinkers","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-296-backlog-blinkers","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:01:36","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20012","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":20008,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-05-29 17:41:22","post_date_gmt":"2022-05-29 12:11:22","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              In my\nopinion, one of the most overused words in the software industry is \u2018innovation\u2019.\nI understand there is a wide spectrum of enhancements that can be called \u2018innovations\u2019\n\u2013 minor enhancement that improves a business process to a module that supports\na new business process to a new application that is disruptive. Here is what I\nhave observed in software product companies that create business solutions for a\nlarge customer base \u2013 anything other than their customer support issues is called\nan innovation. These \u2018innovations\u2019 require new funding approvals within the product\norganization \u2013 usually supported by robust prioritization processes aligned to strategic\nthemes. All these innovations are expected to represent \u2018value\u2019 for the customer\nand are expected to drive software subscription and license-based revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              I started wondering \u2018How would a customer of such a business software perceive value or innovation?\u2019. In general, value is defined as some feature that solves a business problem for a user. That is a meaningful definition from a user perspective. What if I wear a CIO hat? I recalled my days as the head of an IT function a few years back. Although times have changed quite a bit since then, I believe, fundamentals of IT spend decisions have not changed. Here is a perspective on how Business-IT steering committee would look at the spend:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              \"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Most businesses\nwould like to minimize the cost of keeping the business running and spend more\non moving the business forward. Software product license renewals are typically\npart of \u2018keeping the business running\u2019. New solutions that would help businesses\ncompete and win in the future would fall into the category of \u2018Move business\nforward\u2019. I would call these real \u2018Innovations\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              This perspective\ngives a business software product vendor a new way of looking at their innovations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                \n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              1. Changes that would reduce the cost\nof running the business \u2013 i.e., cost of ownership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              2. Changes that would help customers to\nmove their business forward (Innovative trends)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Value<\/strong> =<\/strong> Reduction in cost of ownership \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0+<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Business potential of innovative trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Product\nManagement function in software product organizations is often tasked with formulating\nthe product strategy and managing the backlog. To reduce cost of ownership, Product\nManagers need a deep understanding customer\u2019s IT operational cost structure as\nwell as business usage patterns. To identify innovation opportunities, they\nneed a deep understanding of business trends in customer\u2019s domain as well as\ntechnology trends that could be disruptive. Today\u2019s backlog itself should be split\ninto broadly two categories: ToC Backlog and Trend Log (trends in customer\u2019s\nbusiness). At a strategic level, leadership can decide their mix depending on\nthe product lifecycle and their overall product portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                In conclusion,<\/strong> value and innovation are viewed purely from customer perspective with a clear intent to support customer\u2019s business strategy while leveraging technology trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                anand<\/a><\/p>\n","post_title":"Trend log, no backlog","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"trend-log-no-backlog","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:02:31","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=20008","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19745,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2022-03-13 22:27:43","post_date_gmt":"2022-03-13 16:57:43","post_content":"\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Bill is a Product\nManager in a large software product firm with their development centre in India.\nHe felt that the developers do not understand the customer\u2019s business context\nenough. He spoke to Ram, Engineering Head in India, and sought volunteers to\njoin the two-day user group conference in China. To his surprise, Ram came back\nwith one of his Engineering Managers as the volunteer and said developers did not\nshow interest in the conference. He added, next conference in Europe may be\nmore attractive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What do you suggest Bill and Ram do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Suggested\nsolution<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                It reflects\non the conditioning of the developers. There are a few possibilities: 1. Demonstration\nof technical skills may be rewarded better by the organization. 2. Developers\nare not used to conversations with product management on requirements.\nEngineering Managers could be playing the role of bridge between product management\nand development teams. Their job is more of coders than solution builders. 3. All\nthe training for developers may be technical and to some extent on soft skills.\nThere may not be any focus on building domain knowledge to learn about customer\u2019s\nbusiness context. 4. Engineering unit has the mindset of order takers than\ninnovators.\n\nIt is important for Bill and Ram to have a conversation\nabout the reason behind getting volunteers to user conferences. They could then\nwork together to come up with a strategy to realize the true intent of creating\ngreater value for customers by bringing the developers closer to the users. It\nwould require joint vision, changes to operational processes, changes to reward\nsystems and revised skill development programs. It is certainly achievable with\nalignment and collaboration between Product Management and Engineering\nfunctions.\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","post_title":"CHOW #285 \u2013 Unwilling developer","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"chow-285-unwilling-developer","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_modified_gmt":"2024-01-24 11:03:00","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/pm-powerconsulting.com\/?p=19745","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":false,"total_page":1},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_3o3","class":"epic_block_11"};

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